Do you have any idea how often a snake sheds its skin?
I was surprised to learn that it is once a month on average. This shedding, also known as ecdysis, is a process that can last between seven and fourteen days. The purpose for the ecdysis is so the snake can keep growing; their old skin doesn’t fit them, so they need to lose it to survive and get stronger.
We all need to shed what no longer serves us well to remain successful, I call this the Ecdysis Evolution. 👈 Click that link to see Featured in Chapter 11 of Words That Work: Communicate Your Purpose, Your Profit, and Your Performance, Kogan Page, January 2022
You can follow the diagram to go through your own evolution. (Drawing created by my 11 year old daughter Naomi and probably one of my most memorable diagrams that I use with executives!)
Click on the link above and then follow these four crucial stages of your Ecdysis Evolution.
Stage 1: Habits
Consider what habits currently do not serve you well and note them below the snake. Add new habits you want to incorporate above the snake, representing the new stronger you.
Stage 2: People
Next, comes my most unpopular but valuable advice:
“Which friends or colleagues (or bosses!) do you need to divorce?”
Without overthinking, debating, feeling guilty, or second guessing, write the names of any friends or colleagues in your life who are not serving you well, do not lift you up, or do not fill you with joy at the thought of spending time with them.
Above the snake, note friends or colleagues who you don’t spend enough time with—those who already have caused a smile on your face just by thinking of them and the energy they bring to you.
Stage 3: Commitments
Then reflect on all of your regular commitments—in your work life, whole life, social life, and charitable life—and note which you want to shed. Consider where you want to add new commitments that will help you fulfill your raison d’etre. This may take additional thought and time.
Stage 4: Priorities
Finally, note in the shed zone what your current default priorities have become. Because as work and life becomes more demanding, there is a natural order to what gets prioritized, even if it is the person or project with the loudest voice or the greatest risk. The opportunity is taking back control of what you prioritize so that you are intentional, or what I call being Thoughtfully Ruthless about what you focus on when. Now you can use your insights from your Ecdysis Evolution to make the changes you need.
You can find out more in Chapter 11 of my latest book…
Words That Work Communicate Your Purpose, Your Performance, and Your Profit. Now available at your favorite local bookstore to support your local small business. Or online at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Target, Booktopia.au, Waterstones, Amazon.ca
Let me know if you want to order copies for your team or event and I can extend special offers and discounts to you.
Dedicated to growing your business,
Val
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